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Attorney-General Dr Tony Buti has announced the appointment of a magistrate to the Magistrates Court and Children’s Court of Western Australia.
Stuart Cobbett commenced as a magistrate on Monday, 7 September, strengthening the courts’ civil jurisdiction.
Cobbett’s appointment comes after the resignation of Magistrate Natasha Owen-Conway, who was appointed and sworn in as a Magistrate in 2022.
With over 16 years of post-admission experience, Cobbett is a highly regarded practitioner in civil and commercial litigation, dispute resolution, and advocacy, holding a master of laws in commercial law.
In October 2021, he took on the position of assistant state counsel at the State Solicitor’s Office (SSO), handling diverse and intricate civil litigation cases for the state.
Throughout his career, Cobbett has managed matters involving contract litigation, compulsory acquisitions, injurious affection claims, state tax reviews, native title cases, and complex class actions.
Before his tenure at the SSO, Cobbett served as a senior associate within the dispute resolution practice at Mallesons, where he represented clients in commercial litigation, appeared as counsel in both the Wardens Court and Magistrates Court, and led court-based as well as private mediations.
Additionally, Cobbett served as an academic tutor in contract law within the juris doctor curriculum at the University of Western Australia.
Acknowledging this extensive background and readiness for the role, Attorney-General and Corrective Services Minister, Dr Tony Buti, formally welcomed the appointment.
It is not the first appointment of a magistrate in recent times made in the West Australian courts, with Buti appointing a family law specialist with more than 20 years of experience to serve as a magistrate of the state’s Family Court in July.
“I am pleased to appoint Stuart Cobbett as a magistrate of the Magistrates Court and Children’s Court of Western Australia,” Buti said.
“Mr Cobbett is an experienced and highly regarded legal practitioner whose career has demonstrated strong legal expertise, sound judgement, and a commitment to public service.
“His extensive experience in complex civil litigation, advocacy, and dispute resolution will be a valuable asset to the Magistrates Court and the Western Australian community.
“I congratulate Mr Cobbett on his appointment and wish him every success in this important judicial role.”
